IDF soldiers from the 36th Division have operated in recent weeks to clear and neutralize the two underground routes in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area in the Security Zone.
The soldiers achieved operational control of the ridge area, both above and below ground, and cleared the area of terrorists. Some of the terrorists were eliminated, while others fled the area.
The operation to neutralize the underground infrastructure sites that were cleared of terrorists is still ongoing. Upon completion of the operation, the IDF will adjust its defensive posture in accordance with the situational assessment.
According to the IDF, the terrorists who were present inside the infrastructure carried out terror attacks against the State of Israel and IDF soldiers. Following operations in the underground routes over the past several weeks, their capability to carry out terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers from within the routes has been neutralized.
The underground infrastructure sites contained command centers, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and a kitchen, which enabled the terrorists to manage combat and remain underground for extended periods of time. The infrastructure is a strategic underground network that was built over two decades and funded and planned by the Iranian terror regime.
"IDF soldiers will continue to operate in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon and will not allow the Hezbollah terrorist organization to advance terror attacks against them," the military stated.
"Any attempt by the terrorist organization to carry out an attack against IDF soldiers will be met with a response. The IDF remains committed to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon," it added.